I'm no boat expert but there's a couple things that jump out at me for choosing the right boat:
– storage, under deck, including loooong rod lockers. Most boats don't accomodate modern musky rod lengths, but check to see if you can easily knock out a divider or something to give yourself custom extra long storage.
– back casting deck. Don't neglect your net boy a.k.a. fishing partner! If your lucky enough to have a regular partner that is, a comfortable back deck that keeps him/her happy will automatically more than double your boat's catch rate.
– unless your budget knows no bounds, you are probably doing the give-and-take on features- don't give anything on the trolling motor. That is one feature/tool that you should max out to your ability.
Have fun shopping and good luck- see you out on Sanford next year
"Duke" said:
– unless your budget knows no bounds, you are probably doing the give-and-take on features- don't give anything on the trolling motor. That is one feature/tool that you should max out to your ability.
Amen. My boat is slightly underpowered with the trolling motor, and I really regret it on windy days.
Also, get some good electronics. It's really the only way to learn good structure.
"deerhunter2881" said:
How many ft lbs should 70 be enough for a bass boat I plan on have a trolling plate on the big motor
70 would be enough for bass boats up to 18' beyond that you'll want more.
It's hard to put a number on what you'll need without knowing the exact boat. It could be said that 65# would be enough for boats up to 18' but if you have a high side aluminum boat and not a bass boat you may want 80 or more in windy situations. This is one area that it's better to go too much since you'll get better battery life when running a high thrust motor on low vs. a low thrust motor on high.
I love my boat and yet there are a few things I wish were different.
1. More horsepower. I have a 40/4 stroke on a 16.7 Smokercraft. On bigger lakes with chop this can create some spray issues because I am pushing more water than I should. I wish I would have bought an 18 ft boat and 75 four stroke. The Honda and Yamaha make some nice motors. I have a Merc and it has been very reliable too.
2. I can'st stand my trolling motor. Minn Kota. The Motorguide appears to be a better product.
3. Carpet vs. textured vinyl. There are pros and cons to both. I have carpet and wished my floor was vinyl. Less odor, ease of cleaning. However, the vinyl is a little more prone to tearing.
4. Rod Storage. 16 foot boats and musky rods will usually be a challenge.
"Mark D. Platt" said:
2. I can'st stand my trolling motor. Minn Kota. The Motorguide appears to be a better product.
I am really surprised… I love my Minn Kotas… I would not own a boat without autopilot. IMOHO, the best accessory avaialable for a boat. I used my first AP motor for 5 years, sold it for about 50% of what i paid. I put a Terrova on my current boat and just love it! I can't say enough good… On the other hand, if you read the walleye boat forums, I don't think the consensus is that Motor guides are better… Fact is, go back a few years, and you would have a hard time finding any people who would say anything good about an MG at all. They had horrible reliability and even worse customer service.
Sounds like you have a bad motor Mark… What specifically don't you like?
"Chasin50" said:
[quote="Mark D. Platt"]2. I can'st stand my trolling motor. Minn Kota. The Motorguide appears to be a better product.
I am really surprised… I love my Minn Kotas… I would not own a boat without autopilot. IMOHO, the best accessory avaialable for a boat. I used my first AP motor for 5 years, sold it for about 50% of what i paid. I put a Terrova on my current boat and just love it! I can't say enough good… On the other hand, if you read the walleye boat forums, I don't think the consensus is that Motor guides are better… Fact is, go back a few years, and you would have a hard time finding any people who would say anything good about an MG at all. They had horrible reliability and even worse customer service.
Sounds like you have a bad motor Mark… What specifically don't you like?
I would agree w/ Chad about the Minnkota (mostly except that I've killed 6 foot pedals which is partly my fault for not keeping them clean). I'm not a fan of the Auto Pilot feature though and IMO it's worthless. I think this is directly related to wanting to feel that the boat is just an extension of me and with the AP the motor is in control of the boat (I know, once again the "control freak" comes through).
If you go longer than 18ft you might have some troubles at some docks by yourself, I love my Terrova with A/P works well for multi-speci fishing, and the pedal is similar to a cable drive. Just get a long enough shaft for rough water. If its too rough for my 17 ft deep vee, its too rough for any boat that you can cast from effciently. Good luck and get some boat buckles for the trailer.
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